#human identification

This is the case that set a fire under me to challenge the existing gender-binary dogma of forensic anthropology, and to question the validity of separating "biological sex" and "social gender" in human identification cases. This case has been going on since 1988.

"Pamela’s story includes many common themes that trans people face,” said Pam Lauritzen, Executive Director of Media and Communications. “From derogatory notations left in high school yearbooks about her to a headstone pre-carved with her former male name, it’s heartbreaking to know that the community was not willing to accept her and the identity she chose."

Remains in burials can be open or enclosed

May be a single burial, multiple burials, or a mass burial

May be used to hide remains

Growth and development

Maturation

Degeneration

Metamorphic changes

(Image shows pubic symphysis degradation with age)

-- the calcaneus

-- a tarsal bone

-- part of the ankle

-- forms the heel

-- looks like a joystick

Head is proximal

Head faces medially

Lesser trochanter is posterior

Linea aspera is posterior